A Day Of Fun, Art And Games In Carroll Park

The fun started early on Tuesday in the ball field in Carroll Park



There were board games


and ball games,


and little duckies to fish out of the water
(and maybe win a prize).

To make a scary or funny mask?
How difficult it was to choose.


Little tiny fingers were busy stringing shiny beads


Or if one wanted,
one could just have fun doing one's own thing.

The New York City Parks Department organized a day of fun for the children in Carroll Park yesterday. Judging by the number of kids who showed up with their parents or caregivers, it
was a much welcomed event before the start of school next week.
As always, Kathleen, our very own Parks Recreations person was on hand, to help coordinate some of the games and prizes.
Later in the day, a clown was to appear, but this blogger could unfortunately not stick around to take more photos.

Judging by the many smiling faces, the day was a big success.



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Say! What Are Those High Tech LED Lights Under The BQE?

photos taken by Jay

I must say, I am as intrigued by the giant lights underneath the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway as reader Jay, who sent me the photos above and wrote:

"I am trying to identify the story behind the new high tech colored LED lights under the BQE near the bridge over the Gowanus around Smith Street. They seem to be 10 feet tall with one on either side of the bridge. They are pretty cool and change color from red, to blue to green. Is it... art? Do you know anything about it? I couldn't find anything on line. My question is: is it art?"

They do look neat. How about it? Does anyone have a clue what their purpose is? Could it really be an art installation?

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Fall Concert Series At Grand Army Plaza

Hey folks, don't be blue! Though summer is almost over and the nights are getting shorter, there are plenty of cool events you can attend in the fall. How about this series of concerts at Grand Army Plaza, for example?

Live Music at Grand Army Plaza
September 12, September 26 and October 3
12 – 3 p.m.

The route to Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden might just pass through Brooklyn’s iconic Grand Army Plaza for some up-and-coming singers, musicians and bands. September 12, September 26 and October 3, there will be free outdoor performances under the Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza, from 12 – 3 p.m. The performances are being presented by the Prospect Park Alliance in partnership with the Grand Army Plaza Coalition (GAPCo): a coalition of individuals, organizations, and businesses who are committed to improving the public’s experience of Grand Army Plaza.

Schedule of performances (subject to change):

Saturday, September 12

o Michelle Newman – www.myspace.com/michellenewmanmusic

o Michael Graetzer - www.asongjustforyou.com

o Leeia - www.myspace.com/leeiamusic

Saturday, September 26

o Alan Friend - www.alanfriendmusic.com

o HIP LIKE [blank] - www.hiplikeblank.com

o Rachel Lee Walsh - www.RachelLeeWalsh.com

Saturday, October 3

o Renaissance Street Singers - www.streetsingers.org

o Turbulence - www.myspace.com/Turbulencenyc

o Ready Set Overdrive - www.myspace.com/readysetoverdrive

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A Moment In Time: Riding Down Smith

They looked like they had so much fun
pedaling down Smith Street
side-by-side
on a sunny day,
that I regretted
not owning a bike myself.

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Get Ready For The Atlantic Antic 2009

In my almost twenty-five years in Brooklyn, I think I only missed the Atlantic Antic three or four times. It is one of my favorite events. The Antic perfectly reflects the diversity of this borough. It is much more than just a street fair, bringing out thousands of local residents for a great day of fun
Here are some details from the organizer:

Brooklyn’s largest street festival is back! The 35th annual Atlantic Antic, presented by the Atlantic Avenue LDC, is scheduled for Sunday, October 4th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spreading approximately one mile along 10 blocks of Atlantic Avenue, from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue, the Antic offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for live musical performances, one-of-a-kind crafts and wares, or edible delights from around the world, you’re sure to find it at this event eagerly anticipated by all Brooklynites each year! This year’s Antic will once again feature traditional NYC festival food favorites as well as fabulous dishes from around the world. Attendees can sample a wide spread of international goodies including Middle Eastern baklava and hummus, South American inspired MozzArepas, Caribbean oxtail, or Parisian crepes. Attendees can also try famed local specialties such as the pulled pork and steak sandwich on a pretzel roll served by Building on Bond Café, or decadent grilled sardines from La Mancha Restaurant.
Looking for a more unique shopping experience as well? Along the Antic you'll find everything from handmade jewelry and eco-friendly clothing to photography and exotic plants presented by over 500 local vendors. Both the young and old can enjoy a myriad of activities and performances, including pony rides, interactive art projects, live belly dancing and free admission to the New York Transit Museum’s 16th annual Bus Festival. Bring your family and friends to the Atlantic Antic street festival - an experience guaranteed to delight all!

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Former Valentina's Laundromat On Smith Street To Become Yet Another Bar/Restaurant

Groan! Not another one...don't we have enough bars and restaurants on Smith Street already?

Valentina's, the little laundromat that used to operate at 216 Smith Street, closed its doors in April. Back then, one of my readers commented:

"Another victim of rising rents on Smith St. They fought a losing battle to work with the landlord. So another 18 year tenant is displaced. Valentina and her husband Nissen will be missed."

Now, months later, a restaurant/bar is replacing it. A certain Verde N.Y., Inc has applied for a beer, wine and liquor license.

Honestly, I think at this point, we need a laundromat more than another dinner spot. But of course, only a place with a liquor license can pay the rents on Smith.

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A Shout-Out To "Mikey's Hook Up" In Dumbo

Sometimes, one receives such friendly and expert customer service at a local business, that one is compelled to recommend the place to others.
My Apple Mac Book has had some problems lately, and though I was not crazy about doing without it for a few days while it was being fixed, (after all, I am a blogger) I knew that I had to do something.
I was going to take it to the Apple store in Soho, but could only get an appointment four days later, which was rather annoying. My son suggested I take the computer to Mikey's Hook Up, an authorized Apple dealer and repair center at 70 Front Street in Dumbo. I am glad I did.
Matt, one of the technicians there, has been incredible, going out of his way to address all of my computer's little quirks and issues. I know that my little machine is in the best of hands.

Just thought you may want to know, dear Reader. It's always nice to support a Brooklyn business, especially one that treats its customers with respect and professionalism. If Dumbo is not convenient, Mikey's has a second location in Williamsburg. And did I mention that they have a ping-pong table in the middle of the store? Oh, and they sell new Apple computers and accessories, too.

How about you? Did you have any pleasant experiences at a local business lately? Would love to know!








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